Carlsons to receive the "Spirit of Luther" award

(Left to right): Rick Carlson, Cynthia Carlson, Brenda Carlson and Dave Carlson.

 Luther College President Richard Torgerson on Thursday will present the college's Spirit of Luther Award to Rick and Cynthia Carlson and to David and Brenda Carlson.  The Carlson family is being honored for their long history of leadership, commitment and support for Luther College and the entire Decorah community.

"In this Sesquicentennial year it is fitting to recognize individuals and families who have made a transformational impact on Luther College," said President Torgerson. "The Carlsons have left such a legacy and we are delighted to honor them with the Spirit of Luther Award." 

A 1961 graduate of Luther, Rick Carlson worked for the Fred Carlson Company from 1951 until his retirement in 1997 as laborer, foreman, superintendent, vice president, president and chairman.  In addition to his duties with the Fred Carlson Company, Rick Carlson served as a member of the Luther College Board of Regents from 1986-1999. He and his wife Cynthia served with campaign leadership for the Luther College capital campaigns Fund for Luther II and Fund for Luther III.

Cynthia Carlson graduated from Luther in 1963 with a degree in elementary education.  While using her education to make a home for her family, she found ways to also serve the Decorah community. Recognizing the need for early childhood education, she helped establish and served on the first board of Nisse Nursery Preschool. She also served as a Girl Scout Leader, Nordic Fest volunteer and board member and secretary of the former hospital auxiliary.  An active member of First Lutheran Church, Cynthia Carlson volunteered as a Sunday School teacher, Bible School teacher and member of the Liturgical Arts Committee. She has been a member and vice-president of the church council and president to the church's women's organization.

A 1963 graduate of Luther, David Carlson is president of Randd Properties and former president of Fred Carlson Company.  He currently serves as president of First Lutheran Church and Winneshiek County Habitat for Humanity, vice president of the Winneshiek Medical Center Foundation Board, and is a member of the Luren Singing Society.  He was founding director of the Decorah Area Foundation and has served as a board member of Community First National Bank, United Way and the Decorah Airport Commission. He served as president of Oneota Golf and Country Club and as a committee member of Young Life Ministry.  He is a long-time supporter of the college, including service as an alumni leader of several college capital campaigns.

Brenda Carlson graduated from Luther in 1973 with a degree in elementary education.  She is current trustee of Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum and founder of Barnetimen at Vesterheim. In 2007, Brenda and David Carlson served as Grand Marshals of Nordic Fest.  Brenda Carlson is a past trustee/officer of Winneshiek Medical Center, past president of the WMC Auxiliary and past member of WMC Gala and Festival of Trees committees, former officer of the Northeast Iowa Board of Realtors, and committee member of Young Life Ministry.  She has done volunteer work for numerous institutions and organizations in the community including Vesterheim Museum, Habitat for Humanity/ Thrivent Builds and First Lutheran Church, where she served as a church council officer, Bible School teacher, Sunday School teacher, confirmation guide and Women of the Evangelical Lutheran Church officer.  She has served as president of the Luther College Women's Club and Beta Sigma Phi service sorority, and as the community representative on the Luther Center for the Arts and Community planning committee.